How to Sharpen a Chainsaw

Video: How to Sharpen a Chainsaw

A chainsaw’s nasty-looking cutters can scare you into thinking you can’t sharpen the saw yourself. But in about 10 minutes, with the help of a couple of inexpensive files and guides, you can transform your slow-cutting chainsaw into a firewood-cutting ninja. You can sharpen the chain right on the saw and right by the wood you’re cutting. Do it often, and you’ll get years of sharp cutting life from your chain. Here, we’ll show you how to use chain saw sharpeners.

A dull chainsaw blade can cause burning and buckling while sawing through wood, and it’s a slow and dangerous way to cut. Here are some lessons on how to use a chainsaw sharpener from The Family Handyman expert, Bob Tacke.

Check the Waste to See if it’s Time to Sharpen

• Check the waste material from your saw cuts.
  • Pro tip: Dust means it’s time to sharpen. Chips indicate that the cutters are sharp. 
  • Note: A dull chain is dangerous—it greatly increases the chances of kickback. The chain is more likely to catch in the material and propel the bar up toward the operator. (Read Using a Chain Saw Safely, for more information).
  • Pro tip: Sharpening is easy if the cutters have dulled from normal use. If the cutters are nicked badly from accidental contact with rocks, dirt or objects embedded in trees, you may need to have the chain professionally sharpened or buy a new one.

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